Widely lauded as Portugal’s next big star in the making, Felix has been likened to Kaka and Antoine Griezmann and it has also been claimed that compatriot and Premier League champion Bernardo Silva did not show the same promise at 19.

A statement on Atletico’s website read: “João Félix is now an Atlético de Madrid player.

“Our club and Benfica have reached an agreement over the transfer of the young Portuguese footballer. The forward has already passed his medical at the Clínica Universidad de Navarra and signed his new contract for the next seven seasons.

“With João Félix’s arrival, we add to our squad a versatile player who can play in any attacking position. He’s a skilful footballer who can dribble and who’s very good on the ball. He can also score and set up a teammate, as proven by his 20 goals and 11 assists this season. Because of all of this, the Atleti Family welcomes João Félix and wishes him the best of luck at his new home.”

Marcos Llorente have also been signed from rivals Real Madrid, while centre-back Felipe has been brought in from Porto.